What is HDPE Pipe?

Pipe Spy uses HDPE pipe for trenchless sewer lateral replacement. HDPE is the safest and most efficient option for sewer pipe replacement. “High-density polyethylene” pipes are now widely used in the sewer industry.

We know a lot about HDPE pipe – the trenchless advocates at Pipe Spy were the driving force behind the change from old clay pipe to HDPE pipe in the approval process by local utility inspectors. We educated the inspectors on the durability of HDPE and on the benefits of HDPE for East Bay property owners – 100+ years of useful life, lower cost, faster sewer repair, and less impact on sidewalks, streets, and property. HDPE is better for our team too – it’s so light, one person can carry a 20-foot section, and it won’t break or hurt someone’s foot if it’s dropped!

HDPE is the same substance used in bottle caps, reusable water bottles, plastic lumber, patio furniture, hula hoops….the list goes on. While HDPE products will stay in landfills almost forever without decomposing, that issue is a major benefit for your underground pipes.

Pipe Spy saves you money, because HDPE is inexpensive compared to terra cotta (clay) and cast iron pipe, is more stable than ABS pipe, and will outlast all three. (ABS is the black plastic pipe commonly used in interior plumbing) HDPE won’t rust or fracture. HDPE is safe because it’s rigid enough to hold its form over time, even in a seismically active area, and yet it is flexible enough to use in trenchless pipe replacement. 20-foot sections are joined using butt fusion, making a longer section of pipe that is effectively seamless. The seamless HDPE pipe has a longer life than clay or iron pipe because there are no joints to slip or allow root intrusion. Best of all, using flexible HDPE means no ugly trench or damaged driveways or landscaping.